More Than Exercise: How Connection Supports Men’s Health
For many men, looking after health is often placed on the back burner. Work, family commitments, financial pressures and the expectation to simply “push through” can mean physical and mental wellbeing are neglected for years before support is sought.
Yet one of the most effective tools for improving men’s health may also be one of the simplest: moving together.
Group exercise combines the physical benefits of activity with something equally important - social connection. It’s known that exercise can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce chronic disease risk and enhance overall quality of life.
Interestingly, a growing body of evidence suggests that the social component of exercise may provide an additional layer of benefit, particularly for men who may otherwise struggle with isolation or disengagement.
A recent evaluation of Australia’s “The Man Walk” initiative found participants reported improvements in mental health, social wellbeing and physical activity through the simple act of walking together regularly. Long-term participation was also associated with lower depressive symptoms.
This is particularly important given that loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognised as major contributors to poorer mental and physical health outcomes in men. Research from the University of Queensland has also demonstrated that strengthening social group connections can significantly improve mental health outcomes.
Importantly, group exercise doesn’t need to involve elite fitness levels or competitive sport. In fact, many men engage more consistently in movement when the focus shifts away from performance and towards camaraderie, routine, and enjoyment.
At Atrium Exercise Physiology, we’ve seen firsthand how community-based movement initiatives can help men reconnect with both exercise and each other. Our weekly Men’s PLUM Community Walk is a support group for men going through or recovering from prostate cancer. Conversations happen naturally while walking side-by-side, barriers lower, and participants often realise they are not alone in the challenges they are facing.
We’ve also been supporting Movember since 2016, which aims to raise awareness and funding for prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Each November, we get involved in a range of community events, from parkrun to push-up challenges and everything in between. One of our Exercise Physiologists (Sam) has even been to Everest Base Camp to fundraise for Movember!
For some men, these sessions become the first step back into regular physical activity. For others, they provide accountability, structure and an important social outlet during difficult periods of life. As exercise professionals, we know that sometimes improving wellbeing starts with a simple walk, a shared conversation and a community that encourages men to keep showing up.
References:
Eather, N., Wade, L., Pankowiak, A., & Morgan, P. J. (2023). The impact of sports participation on mental health and social outcomes in adults: A systematic review. Systematic Reviews, 12(1), 102. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02264-8
Exercise & Sports Science Australia. (2021). ESSA launches eBook to encourage Aussie men to look after their health with physical activity. https://www.essa.org.au/Public/Public/News_Room/Media_Releases1/2021/ESSA_launches_new_eBook_for_mens_health.aspx
Lederman, O., Chapman, J., Fibbins, H., et al. (2026). Role of exercise physiologists in mental health support and recovery: 2026 ESSA consensus statement. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2025-109999
Haslam, C., Cruwys, T., Haslam, S. A., Dingle, G., & Chang, M. X.-L. (2016). Groups 4 Health: Evidence that a social-identity intervention that builds and strengthens social group membership improves mental health. Journal of Affective Disorders, 194, 188–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.010
